By Alex Paul
Linn County Communications
There have been no new cases of measles reported in Linn County since two cases were confirmed by the Oregon Health Authority and Linn County Public Health on January 10, Linn County Health Officer Dr. Adam Brady told the Board of Commissioners at their Jan. 20 meeting.
The two cases were not travel-related.
Brady said that health authorities tracing potential contacts, found that 18 people had a high risk of exposure. One person received medication.
The last known case of measles in Linn County was in 1993, based on available records.
Brady said that some 93% of kindergarten students in the county have been immunized, but it takes a rate of about 95% immunizations to develop what is called “herd immunity” a level of immunization that decreases the potential for a widespread outbreak of a disease.
Measles can be dangerous, especially among infants and children younger than age five, adults older than 20, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems.
There was only one confirmed case of measles in the entire state of Oregon last year. One case of measles has also been confirmed in Clackamas County.
Brady said that while most people get over a case of measles, the current death rate is one to two per 1,000 cases, which he said is high.
Educational materials have been distributed throughout local school systems.
Measles will last seven to 14 days. Symptoms include: coughing, loss of appetite, sensitivity to light, sleepiness, pink eye, runny nose, spots inside mouth and fever.
According to the Oregon Health Authority, measles is spread through the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. The virus particles also can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left the area.
Two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles.
Brady also said that in December, there were 50 births — 27 females and 23 males — and 103 deaths. There was one reported suicide, a 36-year-old male.
In other business, commissioners:
- Approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with Linn-Benton Community College. LBCC will provide emotional intelligence training for Linn County’s Developmental Disabilities staff for $3,000.
- Approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Oregon Health Authority to provide financing for community mental health programs including substance treatment, recovery and prevention, from January 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
- Accepted the use of eight Triband handheld radios for the Linn County Sheriff’s Office from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s SPIRE (State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment) grant program.
- Were told that 36 land use permits were issued by the Planning & Building Department in December compared to 24 in December 2024. There were 265 total building permits issued, including one for a single-family dwelling, one for a manufactured dwelling, 11 for alterations or additions and one for an accessory building. There were 283 permits issued in December 2024. Thirteen code enforcement cases were closed and six opened in December 2025.
- Approved a Code Text amendment application, which adds a new section to Linn County Code. The new section establishes a list of standards for property owners to permit event businesses (such as wedding venues) as a home occupation. A land use review will be required by the Planning & Building Department for the home occupation permit.